I like that
self-assessment is addressed. While project-based learning is definitely
student centered, it is important that the students come to realize that and
come to take control of their own learning. Self-assessment gives students that
time to reflect on their learning, and see areas that maybe need improvement,
but also areas that they excel in. Hopefully students will see a big difference
in their self-assessment before and after a project, especially if it is their
first time with project-based learning. These skills to think critically about
themselves will also play a role outside of school, when students are faced
with job interviews and they have to know themselves enough to sell what they
can do to a future employer, and be upfront about any pitfalls they may have.
Introducing the
project in advance and getting students excited about the project is a good
point. Teachers can prepare a great project, but if students are not interested
or invested in the project, it will not succeed. Challenging students to
explore what they don’t know, and getting them excited to do so is an important
step within the project-based learning system. Getting technology involved from
the start is also a great idea. Students will know right away that this is not
another mindless activity; it will be something interactive and more engaging.
Another point that
I really liked was sharing the rubric upfront. This concept seems obvious, let
the students know what is expected of them, but I feel like a lot of the time
it just doesn’t happen. By creating the rubric, and putting it in terms that
students understand, there should be no confusion over what is being asked.
Students will be able to focus on their work with out getting waded down in
small details, or wondering what more they need to be doing.
Learning about
technology before hand also plays into letting students focus on their work.
Technology can be great, but if students do not know how to use it, it will
slow down the process and take away from the experience. Both the ideas of
having a technology playground, and having students help each other seem like
really good ways for students to become familiar with the material. In both
cases students are still in charge of their own learning and get the chance to
explore the material before they actually need it. I liked that they did
include options for more teacher directed tutorials as well, because sometimes explicit
instruction is needed to fully grasp an idea, or in this case the technology
needed.
The idea of
promoting inquiry really sticks out to me, because it seems like one of the
center ideas of project-based learning. If students are going to be in charge
of their own learning they really have to guide the project based on what they
want to learn more about, and ask those questions to steer the conversation. Of
course the teacher does have to act as a guide of some sort, or else
conversations and projects could get way off course from what was intended.
Emily you brought up many great points in this blog! I am a big fan of reflection when it comes to lesson plans but never thought about it using it as a tool for job interviews! I am scared to death to face a real job interview. It sounds ridiculous but my 10 years in different KPS buildings were all people that saw me in action so I never went through any interviews. (lol except when I was 16 at Ponderosa). I will have to spend time reflecting on my experiences and questions they may ask!
ReplyDeleteI also love the idea of introducing the project in advance and getting the students excited about it. If they are not excited they wont be interested in doing the work and most likely become a trouble maker for us. I also strongly agree that when we give students these bi projects they need a rubric. This tells them exactly what they are being graded on and eliminates confusion. They might be a little time consuming for the teacher upfront but it will help her objectively grade and she would have evidence for parent conferences. I would assume it would be easier as she uses them because her other objectives would be somewhat similar.In the end it benefits the students and backs up her grading.
HI Emily!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your point about how inquiry is really at the center of Project-Based Learning! I have been thinking the same exact thing! I think that it goes back to the idea of the investment that students gain in their learning endeavors. Project-Based Learning helps students make the information presented important to them by making it relevant. Inquiry approaches to learning function in much the same way! I also think that there is much inquiry within PBL which it part of what makes it so engaging for students.
Great job!
-Sabrina
I like how you brought up the point about self-assessment. This is extremely important because it gives students time to reflect on their learning. Therefore, students can see what areas they are doing well in and what areas they need to work on. I also like how you brought up the point about showing the students the rubric upfront. This is important so the students know what is expected of them and so there is no confusion.
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